3.17.2007

Johnson is scheduled to play catch on Saturday and pitch to hitters shortly after that; only then will the team be able to determine when he will be ready to pitch in a game. Just like any other 43-year-old man, his recovery from the October operation has been slow, but there have been no major setbacks.

He threw BP to minor leaguers for the first time last Saturday, but says he would like to pitch in an actual game before the end of spring training.

The lefty rejoined the D'backs this offseason in an attempt to revive his illustrious career after being traded by the New York Yankees. Johnson spent six seasons in Arizona from 1999-2004, going 103-49 and winning four NL Cy Young Awards before being dealt to New York.